PURPOSE. This study examined the experiences of postnatal depression between a group of Chinese and Caucasian women. DESIGN AND METHODS. This was a secondary analysis of two phenomenological studies. Thirty-five Chinese women and 12 Australian women were interviewed. FINDINGS. Women felt being trapped in the depression. The Hong Kong women attributed their depression to their mothers-in-law and husbands, and expressed much anger. The Australian women attributed their depression to not being able to live up to the ideal mother image, and felt guilty. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Interventions were recommended with consideration for the cultural values that influenced women's experiences of postnatal depression.

Affiliations:1:
Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China 2:
School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 3:
Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia